7-12 Newsletter 11.28.25
- kevinhayashi
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
November 28, 2025
Hello Hill Family,
Happy Thanksgiving to our American families! We are glad that our school community is able to break on these days, giving families time to be together, to travel, rest, play or do whatever is needed at this time.
Having parent-teacher/parent-coach meetings last week really hit home that we are a quarter of the way through the year already. From all reports, meeting parents and guardians through these conferences was a great way to get to know new families, reintroduce returning families and to share some common ground with all families: your child/our student.
Some common themes that emerged after debriefing with Hill staff after parent conferences:
Our community is exceptional. Most parents are curious, engaged and supportive of their student’s journey here. No matter the age, these families bring great questions and feedback to our school and we are better for having these relationships.
Parents that lean towards protection are often steered towards preparation. As one teacher put it, a parent’s “posture” can tell us a lot about where a parent is coming from. Are they sitting back, ready to receive feedback? Leaned in, looking to address an issue head-on? In most cases, conversations are effective and useful and we typically share important information, context and strategies.
Most of our parents are on-board to help their students achieve higher standards. This means holding students accountable, being supportive with lots of communication and encouraging adherence to mottos such as “well done is better than well said”.
The countdown to the winter break is on with only four weeks until we pause again for the holidays. Our hope is that families are given what they need to help their students soar through the next month of school. Please remember that we are here for support, encouragement, information and accountability – our relationships are important to us!
Enjoy the long weekend.
Christy Flynn,
Director of Academics
In this week's Newsletter:
TPC Toronto Special Offer
Our partners at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley would like to extend our relationship by offering the following discounts to the Hill Family:
20% off indoor simulators and lessons
20% off rooms
20% off dining (food only)
To take advantage of these discounts, simply follow the link, using the password: hillacademy to access.
OSSLT Information
We are now in the OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) season. The OSSLT is a Ministry-required assessment and a graduation requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. All Grade 10 students, as well as those who are new to Ontario or who have not yet successfully completed the test, will write this year.
Semester 1 testing runs from November 19 – December 2.Students who are writing have been notified and added to a Google Classroom with information, a short video, and a practice test link. The writing schedule with assigned dates will also be posted there.
Students with IEPs or required accommodations are being met with individually, and families will receive details by email.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Walko at emily.walko@thehillacademy.com
Inclement Weather Protocol
We want to ensure everyone is kept up to date with the inclement weather protocol and procedures.
Depending on the weather and the conditions, one of two decisions will be made:
1. School closure- remote learning
All buses cancelled; students are to perform their schoolwork remotely. This includes before and after care.
2. School Bus Cancellation
Either specific buses or all buses are canceled, and the school remains open for staff and students that can safely travel. Before and After care will still be operating.
We will do our best to communicate our decision by 6am, utilizing email and social media channels. Decisions will be made considering the safety of students and staff on both the way to and from campus.
Parent Info Webinar – Mental Performance Tips for Home
Recently our Mental Performance Coach, Riley Thompson, hosted a 45-minute webinar on Mental Performance tips for Hill parents. Riley's chat was recorded and can be found here, along with the slides from the presentation here. If you have questions for Coach T, we encourage you to reach out to him directly at riley.thompson@thehillacademy.com
The Hill Eats
Discover this week's menu, bon appétit!
Daily Lunch
Monday: Veal Parm Sauteed peas Tomato Spaghetti
Tuesday: Chicken Caesar Mashed Potatoes
Wednesday: Sloppy Joe Sandwich & Coleslaw
Thursday: Santa Fe Chicken Salad Wrap
Friday: Loaded Nachos served with Chorizo, Beans & Housemade Queso
If your day student would like to be on the lunch plan, please register now!
Please be advised any feedback or special requests can be sent to lunch@thehillacademy.com
Residence Meal Plan (Breakfast / Dinner)
Monday: Continental Breakfast / Canadian Burger with French Fries & Onion Rings
Tuesday: Breakfast Quiche / Grilled Sausages Jollof Rice Sauteed Mushroom Blend
Wednesday: Continental Breakfast / Marry Me Chicken served with Broccoli & Rice
Thursday: Sausage and Egg Muffin with Fruit Smoothie / Pork Chops Mashed Potatoes Asparagus
Friday: Continental Breakfast / Make Your Own Pizza Night
Saturday: Continental Breakfast / Breakfast a la carte / New York Striploin Baked Potato Vegetable Medley
Sunday: Continental Breakfast / Breakfast a la carte / Chicken Parmesan served with Penne Rose & Greek Salad
Power School
Please note that the Power School Student and Parent Portal was been enabled. Please contact christy.flynn@thehillacademy.com for help in accessing your student’s account.
Middle School Sports Schedule
For Grade 9-12+PG, check your individual team's TeamSnap for the most up to date schedule.
Foundations of Sport (7-8)
Monday: Golf
Tuesday: Hockey
Wednesday: Tennis/Squash
Thursday: Football
Friday: Orienteering
Hockey (7-8)
Monday: Hockey
Tuesday: Hockey
Wednesday: Tennis/Squash
Thursday: Hockey
Friday: Orienteering
Hybrid Lacrosse Hockey (7-8)
Monday: Lacrosse
Tuesday: Hockey
Wednesday: Lacrosse
Thursday: Hockey
Friday: Lacrosse
Middle School Boys Lacrosse (7-8)
Monday: Lacrosse
Tuesday: Hockey
Wednesday: Lacrosse
Thursday: Football
Friday: Lacrosse
Middle School Girls Lacrosse (7-8)
Monday: Lacrosse
Tuesday: Hockey
Wednesday: Lacrosse
Thursday: Football
Friday: Lacrosse
View a comprehensive calendar of events by visiting www.thehillacademy.com/calendar
Thursday, November 27 - Sunday, November 30 - U16AAA at International Silver Stick Whitby AAA Finals - Whitby, ON
Tuesday, December 3 - Grandparent's Day at The Hill
Friday, December 5 - NCAA Signing Day - 2:30 - Lower Flex
Monday, December 15 - Friday, December 19 - Happy Hill-idays Spirit Week
Tuesday, December 16 - Primary Holiday Concert
Wednesday, December 17 - Grades 4-6 Holiday Showcase
Friday, December 19 - Last Day Before Winter Break
Blueprint Nutrition
This school year, the Hill Academy has partnered with Blueprint Nutrition to provide sport nutrition education and support. Blueprint is co-owned by Registered Dietitians, Cara Kasdorf and Rosanne Robinson, and along with their team of Sport Dietitians, they work with athletes across Canada. Their team of Registered Dietitians have worked with all levels and ages of athletes - from local and rep leagues to Olympic athletes, NHL and OHL players, and professional triathletes and endurance athletes. They have expertise in working with both student-athletes and adult athletes to fuel for performance, growth and development, and long-term health. They have expertise to support your athlete, whether the goal is to hit a personal best, navigate busy tournament weekends, or just eat enough to keep up with their sport and academics.
Cara and Rosanne will be providing 4 sport nutrition specific sessions to grades 4-12 throughout the school year. If you would like to seek out additional and more individualized support, Blueprint offers different options to work together.
Two of their most popular packages for student-athletes include:
Eat to Compete Program – $710 for 4 sessions
A high-impact coaching package designed to build strong fuelling habits across training, game day, recovery, and more. Ideal for athletes who want to level up their performance with a comprehensive strategy.
Performance Meal Planning Strategy Session – $295 for a 90-minute session
A focused, one-time consult to help you map out exactly what, when, and how much your athlete should be eating - with a personalized meal plan and timeline tailored to their sport, schedule, and needs.
*Note: all sessions are held virtually via video sessions
*They offer additional packages and sessions based on the athlete’s individual needs
To get started, schedule a free 20-minute clarity call by emailing: sport@blueprintnutrition.ca or booking directly at: www.blueprintnutrition.ca. They have also put together an online Sport Nutrition resource for students. Information about how to access the resource library can be found in their Physical Education and Health Google Classroom.
Airbnb Offer
Looking for a great place to stay right in town while visiting your kids at The Hill Academy? Just 5 minutes from the school right on the main street of Alton village is a cozy 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house that can comfortably sleep 8 people. The perfect place to unwind and hang with your kids and friends for a few nights. The house also offers a summer pool and all year round hot tub as well as backs directly onto the shallow waters of the credit river making for the perfect tranquil setting. Pets are also welcome!
Below you can find the airbnb listing to view all 120+ 5 star reviews. If you'd like to book a stay at the house please reach out through the Cottages In Canada link below to save on some fees airbnb would normally charge, or better yet... reach directly out to the host at her personal email or cell phone number. Don't forget to let her know you're staying at the house because you're visiting someone at The Hill. She'd be happy to provide a discounted rate of 10% off your total stay.
Airbnb Link:
Cottages In Canada Link:
Direct Contact:
Paige Danforth
519-216-6659
Culminating Tasks and/or Exams
Semester 1 exams are scheduled for January 15th, 16th, and 19th this year. If there is inclement weather (e.g. a snow day on January 16th), that exam will run on January 20th. Students need to be available to write on January 20th and January 21st in the case of inclement weather. You can find the detailed exam schedule here and below, as well as our policy on missed or rescheduled exams.
Missing or Rescheduling an Exam/Culminating Task
Absences (excused or unexcused) will result in a grade of a zero for culminating tasks and/or exams. If an absence is caused by injury or illness, a doctor’s note which identifies the date and cause of the absence is required on the day of the scheduled assessment. Vacation, appointments and games/tournaments are not considered valid reasons for absences. If there is a valid reason for a student needing to miss or reschedule an exam, the student must submit an Exam/Culminating Task Consideration Request.
OSU Study Project
One of the staff athletic therapists, Josh Belletti, is looking for participants for his master’s thesis project through The Ohio State University. The purpose of this study is to investigate how baseline mTBI/concussion testing scores vary from in person administration of tests to virtual or Telehealth administration of tests. The testing battery for both conditions includes the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT6) in its entirety as well as the Vestibular Ocular-Motor Screening (VOMS). These tests are the same tests done for the baseline concussion testing with all Hill Academy teams. There will also be including depression, sleep and anxiety screens. Testing for the two conditions will occur throughout the school year separated by one week between each test session.
Participation in the study is completely voluntary and can be withdrawn at any point throughout the duration of the study. Interested participants will be required to complete informed consent and parental assent for those under the age of 18. We will be looking to pull study participants from the competitive programs in the senior school.
For those who are interested can follow the link provided for the web interest form for the study. Once completed you and your child will be contacted.
If there are any further questions, concerns or if you are interested in participating in the study feel free to reach out to him (Joshua.Belletti@osumc.edu).
Uniforms
Please ensure your student-athlete is wearing the appropriate uniform for their division. Please note there are NO TIGHTS or BIKE SHORTS PERMITTED. If you have questions regarding apparel please refer to the Gr. 4-12 uniform guide. Any questions, concerns or questions apparel@thehillacademy.com.
Jackets that had been pre-ordered have arrived and are being embroidered. They will be made available to those who have ordered as soon as they are ready!
Labeling Items
With so many activities and practices happening daily, it's easy for items to get misplaced. To help keep track of uniforms, equipment, and personal items, we kindly ask that all student-athletes have their belongings clearly labeled with their name. This simple step ensures that lost items can be quickly returned and helps maintain organization throughout the day. Thank you for helping us keep our athletes focused and prepared!
Ontario University Applications
For Grade 12 students or Post-Graduates who plan to apply to Ontario Universities - please create an account using the OUAC website. The Portal for students is now open, so please speak to Mrs. Flynn once you create your account.
Community Involvement Hours
To graduate in Ontario, students need to demonstrate at least 40 hours of community involvement. Forms for tracking these hours can be found on our website.
If you are looking for ways to volunteer this year, try the following local resources:
Interested in Contacting a Tutor?
We have partnered with Jessica’s Tailored Tutoring to provide tutoring going forward. Parents can contact her directly at 705-717-4213.
Student-Dedicated Resource
This year, Ms. Walko will be working as student support. She will be working with students from Kindergarten through Post-Grad to help them achieve academic success. If you, as a student, or your child as a parent, require classroom support, accommodations, or have an IEP in place, please reach out to Ms. Walko directly so we can ensure supports are in place as quickly as possible.
Students are also welcome to stop by the Resource Room (Room 104) to check in or ask questions. Please contact Ms. Walko with any questions at emily.walko@thehillacademy.com.
Safety and Security
We want to remind everyone about the safety and security considerations of arriving and leaving the campus.
For all:
Please follow the posted speed limits
Please come to a complete stop at all stop signs (there are new ones on campus)
Please note and follow the one-way driveway and the stop signs
Please follow the directions of the staff who are supervising pick-up and drop-off times.
Parking lots are to be used for anyone waiting to pick up students.
Fire routes are allocated to help Fire and Emergency Services access buildings quickly in the event of an emergency. Blocking these routes, even to drop off or pick up students, can be dangerous for everyone.
Accessible parking spaces are for the exclusive use for individuals holding valid accessible parking permits. Please do not use or block any accessible spaces without a valid permit.
Annual School Calendar 2025-26
Annual school calendars are available on the website:
Attendance Protocol K-PG
ALL STUDENTS:
If your child is absent from school, please remember to email attendance@thehillacademy.com to report the absence.
If your student athlete is going to miss their Phys. Ed or sport period for any reason, please remember to email DGlisic@thehillacademy.com.
Late Arrivals
If your child arrives late to school, please park in the designated parking areas and walk them into the main office to receive a late slip (K-8). The students will need to provide their educator with the slip upon arrival to class. High School students must sign-in at the main office.
No Sign-Out Privileges
Students do not of have sign-out privileges at The Hill Academy, regardless of age. If a student is to leave campus during the school day, attendance@thehillacademy.com must receive an email from parents/guardians indicating that the student is permitted to leave campus, with whom, at what time and for what reason. Student drivers are not permitted to have passengers unless the families have provided written consent in advance.
Allergy Aware School
Hill Families, please be aware that we have several anaphylactic allergies within our school community. These include but are not limited to peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish. We do not exclude nuts, tree nuts or other big ten foods packed in lunches and for snacks but ask for awareness of these allergies. We ask that parents please help educate their students on what it means to be allergy aware.
Ways that we can all keep our school safe are:
Be aware of specific allergies within your class
Please avoid sending in these foods as part of classroom celebrations to minimize exposure to those with allergies.
Placing food on paper towel or napkin and not directly on the table
Wiping down your area after eating
If using the microwave, wiping down any splatter
Hand washing before and after eating
Being mindful of those with allergies and not eating near them if consuming food that contains an allergen
All nuts are not permitted on any of the buses.
Please see https://foodallergycanada.ca/ for additional resources to help educate on food allergies. We thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students with allergies safe.
